The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency opened up an investigation of a Smithfield Foods meat processing facility in St. Charles, Illinois, after Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, wrote a letter last month.
The August 18 letter requested that the EPA look into the Smithfield Foods facility’s wastewater treatment processes and equipment.
“Local residents are increasingly reporting malodorous air conditions, which impact their quality of life and health. In recent discussions with St. Charles city officials, representatives of Smithfield Foods have cited various efforts to mitigate the odors,” wrote Krishnamoorthi. “However, constituents living near the plant continue to express concerns over malodor from the industrial agriculture operations.”
News sources report that the source of the odor is the plant’s wastewater treatment facility, where 90,000 gallons are generated each day.
However, expansions and production increases since 2019 have increased odor concerns. To control the odors, plant managers say that they’ve upgraded processes and installed odor control systems, also bringing on wastewater consultants.
In response last week, Debra Shore, the EPA’s regional administrator, responded to the request.
“Due to a long-standing policy of limiting third-party communications regarding enforcement matters, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is not able to share findings from ongoing investigations,” Shore said in the letter. “Please be assured that we are in contact with the City of St. Charles and with the Smithfield Foods facility. And we will be pleased to provide you with the information concerning the inspections when publicly available.”
Back in July, workers from the plant gave a presentation to the Government Operations Committee members during a city council meeting. According to Shaw Local News Network, however, representatives were dissatisfied, saying that the problem odors impact on the community has not been solved.
Smithfield Foods has been the target of several litigations over the years, including over 29 cases and 500 plaintiffs. Two recent lawsuits alleged false advertising by Smithfield involving its “crate-free” pork claims. Another suit claims that Smithfield exploited consumers and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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